24-Hour Film Competition Recap

If you have ever worked on a film project, then you have definitely scrambled to meet some crucial deadlines. But, have you ever had to plan, create, and complete an entire film in just one day?

Filmmakers of all backgrounds registered to take on one of the biggest challenges yet. Their creativity was put to the test when the Newark International Film Festivalasked competitors to create an original two to five-minute short film in just 24 hours!

The teams attended a meeting on March 13th, at 5pm, at which they were given the competition guidelines and a twist that raised the stakes. Two items had to be visible in each scene of the short; a cup provided by one of the festival’s sponsors, Prudential, and a NewarkIFF swag bag. This was to ensure that the film was shot within the 24 hours.

The project was to be finished and submitted by the next evening at 8pm.

On Friday, March 15th, the first ever 24-Hour Film Competition Screening & Mixer was hosted at Express Newark, and it’s safe to say the event was a success! Teams were able to mingle, share their experiences, and learn about all things NewarkIFF.

After a race against the clock, 11 captivating entries waited for three winners to be announced.

Secret Society Motion Pictures – Team Infantry proved itself against the lot, coming in third place. Their short film Infatuated Reality was able to give a look into how an unhealthy adoration for someone can consume one’s life, especially when that person is toxic.

Production team Los Dos also held its own in the competition with its film The Other Side.

“The film is about how we should live every moment of our lives fulfilling our goals and making our dreams a reality before it’s too late and we end up on ‘the other side’,” described writer and director Emmanuel Rodriguez.

The duo was able to share an inspirational message of tenacity and accomplishment that landed them in second place.

Celebrity International Productions showed that 24 hours wasn’t anything they couldn’t handle. The all-woman cast and crew made their mark and NewarkIFF history as the first ever 24-Hour Film Competition first place winners.

Film director Natasha Tucker shared “We had 24 hours, but we did it in 13…”.

Their film, Me Vs Me, follows April, a talented young woman, who is struggling with substance abuse. Despitebattling inner demons, she has the support of a tough loving older sister on her side.

Tucker went on to mention that the vision behind the project was to create something “relevant and relatable.” The ladies of Celebrity International did just that, rising to the top of the competition.

NewarkIFF continued its mission of providing a platform for independent filmmakers looking to break into the industry.

The top three winners were awarded a sit-down meeting with a notable industry producer, lawyer, and management team to educate them on the ins and outs of distribution and financing for films.

This was just one of the many incredible events to come from the new NewarkIFF Presents Event Series.

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